Sketchbook Dump!

Hello my dears, 

This month has been car themed, with a significant portion of my time spent on trying to sort out renewing insurances, fixing car problems and updating official documentation, and let me tell you, I am BORED out of my mind with admin!!!

I did try to carve out some times to make art, particularly because I have a few prints to sort out for you lovely peeps, so here are a few pages from my latest sketchbook.

Since I finished my giant one, I have now started a new one, and these are the first few drawings in it!

They are mostly small, messy and rough, but it felt like ages since the last time I spent some time being playful in my main sketchbook and I was in great need of some loosening up and warming up.

Lately, I have taken to drawing in silence, rather than having music, a podcast or even a show on. 

For a while now, I noticed that I was getting easily overwhelmed and over-stimulated, especially towards the end of the day, and I realised it happened mostly when my brain was focusing on many different stimuli at the same time. 

So I decided to attempt to work without distractions.

At first, it was incredibly uncomfortable, as a big reason for me having something playing while I work is to keep the anxiety and over-thinking at bay. 

However, the more I did it, the better I felt, and while I still don't always succeed at it, or can't sometimes last more than an hour or so, I can tell my brain has levelled out somewhat, and my thoughts have quieted and calmed significantly.

I also noticed that I am happier with my work, and find coming up with new ideas much easier, not doubt because my brain is able to focus entirely on the work at hand. 

I can't say it is easy, or painless, but I suspect I will get better at it with practice.

I hope I can make this a lasting habit, as it is evident how beneficial it is to both me and my process!

Have any of you tried working in silence/already do so?

I would love to hear about your experiences and how you set yourself up to create!

I hope you enjoyed this little sketchbook batch and that you are all doing well!

Much love, M